Sussex, Wis. (Dec. 1, 2009) – Beer Capitol Distributing – Lake Country, a limited liability corporation jointly owned by local business leader Aldo Madrigrano and Ronald Fowler, of San Diego, Cal., is acquiring W.O.W. Distributing Co., Inc. Terms of the deal, which closed today, are not being disclosed.
All operations and employees of W.O.W. Distributing will continue under new management at the Sussex facility as Beer Capitol Distributing – Lake Country, LLC. Aldo Madrigrano, majority owner of the new company, will serve as chairman and CEO. Mike Merriman will serve as president. Madrigrano, Merriman and Fowler also own Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc., headquartered in Wauwatosa, which will relocate to the Sussex facility after completion of a major expansion this summer. Fowler retains joint ownership in both companies and will serve as a member of the board of directors.
“I couldn’t be happier to announce this acquisition, as it represents a new milestone for our businesses and an opportunity to enhance our reputation for exemplary customer service and sales support by achieving shared operating efficiencies,” said Aldo Madrigrano. The facility expansion, already underway, will add about 120,000 square feet of state-of-the-art warehousing and office space.
As part of the transaction, Thomas Madrigrano, Vice President for W.O.W. Distributing, and Gina Madrigrano Friebus, Vice President of Administration, will retire after 25 years of dedicated ownership and service. “Both Thomas and Gina have been integral players in developing W.O.W. into the industry and community leader it is today, and for that I can only say thank you for all of their many years of dedicated service,” said Madrigrano.
With the completion of the W.O.W. acquisition and relocation of Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc. to Sussex, the companies will offer Wisconsin retailers one of the industry’s broadest selection of malt beverages including fine quality and domestic beers, mainstream and premium brands, and popular craft beers. Beer Capitol Distributing – Lake Country, LLC will serve retail customers in Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties (Dodge County assets of W.O.W. Distributing were sold as part of the deal). Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc. will continue to serve customers in Milwaukee County.
Brands associated with the companies include MillerCoors, Pabst Brewing Co., Crown Imports, Heineken USA, Boston Beer Co., Mark Anthony Brands (Mike’s®), Paulaner HP USA and local breweries such as Lakefront Brewery, Capital Brewery, the Stevens Point Brewery and Tyranena Brewing Co.
Beer Capitol Distributing – Lake Country, LLC and Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc. will continue to maintain their reputations as family-run businesses representing more than 70 years experience in the malt beverage industry.
About Beer Capitol Distributing – Lake Country, LLC
Beer Capitol Distributing – Lake Country, LLC is Wisconsin’s second-largest beer distribution and wholesaling business headquartered in Sussex, Wis. The company sells and delivers quality malt beverage products to 1,900 responsible, licensed retailers in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. The company represents over 180 beer brands crafted by the finest brewers worldwide.
About Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc.
Privately held Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc., founded in 1981, is the largest beer wholesaler in the state of Wisconsin. The distributor operates offices and warehouse facilities located at 1400 N. 113th St. in Wauwatosa, Wis., and services 2,000 area accounts. Breweries associated with Beer Capitol Distributing Co., Inc. include Crown Imports™, Lakefront Brewery, Capital Brewery, Pabst Brewing Co., MillerCoors, Mark Anthony Brands (Mike’s®) and Heineken USA.